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Antiepileptic / Mood stabiliser

Sodium Valproate

Brand names: Epilim, Episenta, Depakote (valproic acid)

Used in: Seizures & Epilepsy

Sodium valproate is a broadly effective antiepileptic (also used in bipolar disorder) — but it is subject to strict pregnancy restrictions.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It increases GABA activity and affects sodium channels, reducing neuronal excitability.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is highly teratogenic (major malformations and neurodevelopmental harm) and must not be used in girls or women of childbearing potential unless the conditions of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme are met — with regulators further restricting new initiations; specialist involvement is required.
  • Serious hepatotoxicity (rare) and pancreatitis occur; also thrombocytopenia, weight gain, tremor and hair changes.
  • It inhibits the metabolism of lamotrigine (raising the risk of serious rash) and has other interactions.

Monitoring

Monitor liver function (especially early) and FBC; in those who could become pregnant, confirm the pregnancy-prevention conditions.

Counselling the patient

  • If you can become pregnant, this medicine carries serious risks to a baby — do not stop it suddenly, but seek urgent specialist advice about contraception and alternatives.
  • Report abdominal pain, vomiting, unusual bruising or yellowing of the skin/eyes.

Evidence & guidelines

A broadly effective antiepileptic (NICE NG217) constrained by MHRA pregnancy-prevention requirements.

Reference: MHRA Drug Safety Update (valproate); NICE CG137; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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